What is the vetting procedure when purchasing an SSL?

When you buy an SSL certificate, the issuing authority (GlobalSign) will perform some checks on you or your business to verify your identity.

This step is important as it's only by ensuring SSL certificates are issued correctly that the security of the system can be guaranteed. This ensures that your customers can have confidence and trust that you are who you say you are which in these times this is a real must for your business.

The vetting procedure for 123-SSL and Domain SSL Certificates is generally straightforward and due to the “approver email” step in the purchase process, it can often be completed without you supplying any further information.

The vetting procedure for Organisational & EV SSL certificates is more thorough due to the level of trust provided by them. In order to successfully purchase one of these certificates, you will be contacted by GlobalSign (our partner and certificate issuer) via the contact information you have provided during the purchase procedure to complete your order. In order to pass their vetting process, you may need to be able to fulfil at least one of the criteria below:

Been a registered company for a minimum of 3 years

Be in the Dun & Bradstreet database

Provide a lawyer’s letter stating that you have a deposit account with a regulated financial institution.

Whatever the requirements requested from Globalsign which they will contact you either via a detailed email or on the number you provided in the purchase process. Please be aware that GlobalSign's vetting procedures are compulsory and their ruling in the matter is final.

Please note: There is no set time frame for this procedure, as it works on a case by case basis. However, most circumstances should allow the procedure to complete within a few days.